Department of Civil Rights Ex Rel. Parks v. General Motors Corp.

This case presents a question of first impression in this jurisdiction: Whether the Michigan State Fair Employment Practices Act (FEPA), and in particular § 3(a) thereof, MCL 423.303(a); MSA 17.458(3)(a), prohibiting an employer "to discriminate against” any employee because of religion also imposes a duty on the employer to make reasonable accommodation to the religious needs of employees. The trial court answered that question in the negative and the Department of Civil Rights appeals of right. We affirm. However, our affirmance is limited to the FEPA and does not extend to the…